FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

The increasing global demand for renewable and sustainable energy sources has intensified research into bioethanol production from non-food lignocellulosic biomass. This study investigates the production of bioethanol from oil palm trunk (OPT), an abundant agricultural residue generated during replanting cycles in oil palm plantations in Nigeria, to optimize pretreatment and fermentation conditions to maximize fermentable sugar yield and ethanol production efficiency.
Oil palm trunk samples were collected from Idogbo, Benin City, Nigeria, and processed through size reduction, drying, and sieving to a 500 µm particle size. Chemical composition analysis confirmed that OPT contains 29 to 45% cellulose, 12 to 29% hemicellulose, and 18 to 23% lignin, validating its suitability as a second-generation bioethanol feedstock. Pretreatment was carried out using dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at a concentration of 20% to disrupt the lignocellulosic matrix and enhance cellulose accessibility for enzymatic hydrolysis. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize three key pretreatment variables, namely acid concentration (1 to 6%), reaction time (10 to 120 minutes), and temperature (30 to 120°C), with fermentable sugar yield as the response variable. A total of 17 experimental runs were conducted, and the results were fitted to a quadratic model. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the statistical significance of the model, with an F-value
of 115.99 and a p-value of less than 0.0001. The model demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy,
with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9933, an Adjusted R² of 0.9848, and an Adequate Precision ratio of 28.27, confirming a strong signal-to-noise ratio and reliable navigability of the design space. Acid concentration (A), reaction time (B), temperature (C), their interaction terms (AB and BC), and quadratic terms (A², B², and C²) were all identified as statistically significant factors influencing sugar yield (p less than 0.05).
The optimum pretreatment condition was established at an acid concentration of 3.5%, a temperature of 120°C, and a reaction time of 120 minutes, yielding a maximum fermentable sugar concentration of 553.54 mg/g. Three-dimensional response surface plots demonstrated that sugar yield increased progressively with moderate acid concentration and rising temperature, but declined at extreme values due to thermal and acid-induced sugar degradation and the formation of inhibitory compounds, including furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated OPT biomass was performed using commercial cellulase enzymes, followed by fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fermentation performance was monitored over four days using the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) colorimetric method at 610nm. Sugar concentration decreased progressively from 3.8 mg/g on day one to 0.405 mg/g by day four, confirming active microbial metabolism and efficient conversion of released fermentable sugars into ethanol.
The findings of this study demonstrate that oil palm trunk is a technically viable and sustainable lignocellulosic feedstock for second-generation bioethanol production. The optimized pretreatment conditions effectively balanced lignin disruption and cellulose preservation, maximizing sugar recovery while minimizing inhibitor formation. The results support the potential of OPT waste valorization as a pathway toward renewable energy generation, reduced agricultural waste burden, and enhanced energy security in palm oil-producing regions of Nigeria. Future work
should focus on co-culture fermentation systems capable of utilizing both hexose and pentose sugars, detailed techno-economic analysis, and life-cycle assessment to establish the commercial and environmental viability of large-scale OPT-based bioethanol production.

The machine is developed to cut different metal materials with high precision using plasma
arc technology controlled by a computer system. The CNC plasma cutter improves cutting
accuracy, reduces manual effort, and increases productivity in metal fabrication industries.
The project includes the design process, material selection, fabrication of the frame,
installation of electronic components, and testing of the machine.

This project presents the design and development of a web-based portfolio site offering software solutions. The system was conceived to provide a professional online platform for individuals or organizations to showcase their technical expertise, previous projects, and range of offered services. The growing dependence on digital platforms for business visibility has made online portfolios a vital tool for branding and client engagement. The project was implemented using a combination of front-end technologies — HTML for content structure, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for interactivity — while Django, a
Python-based web framework, was employed for back-end development and server-side processing. PostgreSQL was used as the database management system to ensure reliable data storage and retrieval.
The website features multiple modules, including a landing page, services page, about page, contact form, and an administrative dashboard for managing content. Additional functionalities such as user authentication, task management for the development team, and an integrated payment system were incorporated to extend the platform’s usability for both clients and administrators. The system was tested manually to ensure that all modules functioned according to specification, and results confirmed efficient performance, responsiveness, and ease of navigation. Overall, the project successfully demonstrates the application of modern web technologies in developing an interactive and dynamic portfolio website capable of promoting professional services online. It provides a scalable foundation that can be
extended in the future to include advanced content management, analytics integration, and broader service offerings.
Keywords: Portfolio Website, Django, Web Development, Software Solutions, Database
Management, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PostgreSQL.

This study compares the production life expectancy of vertical and horizontal wells drilled near sealing boundaries in petroleum reservoirs. Sealing boundaries such as impermeable faults restrict fluid flow and reduce pressure support, significantly affecting well performance and project economics. Analytical modeling based on the radial diffusivity equation and
image well theory was used to calculate pressure decline for both well configurations. Excel- based calculations determined flowing bottom hole pressure over time under identical reservoir conditions (permeability = 27 md, porosity = 0.27, initial pressure = 3,000 psi). Vertical wells were analyzed at five distances from the boundary (24–115 ft), while
horizontal wells were evaluated at five different lateral lengths (20–120 ft). Results showed that horizontal wells dramatically outperform vertical wells near sealing boundaries. The best vertical well (115 ft from boundary) maintained economic production for approximately 200 hours, while the optimal horizontal well (120 ft lateral) produced for about 12,000 hours—a 60-fold improvement. Even moderate horizontal wells (90 ft) exceeded the best vertical well performance by 65%. Key findings include: (1) horizontal wells maintain pressure substantially longer due to
extended reservoir contact; (2) a minimum horizontal length of 90 ft is required for meaningful performance benefits; (3) vertical wells closer than 50 ft from boundaries fail within 30–45 hours; and (4) despite higher drilling costs, horizontal wells provide 20–60 times longer production life, delivering superior economic returns.

The growing need for sustainable and renewable energy solutions has driven interest in solar power systems as an alternative to conventional electricity sources. This project, titled "Design and Assembly of a 1.5KVA Stand-Alone Solar Power System," aims to equip students with the essential knowledge required to build an efficient solar power system. It focuses on fundamental aspects such as load analysis, proper material sizing, and system integration to ensure optimal performance. The project outlines the step-by-step procedures involved in selecting and assembling key components, including solar panels, charge controllers, inverters, and batteries. A detailed approach to load analysis ensures that energy demands are accurately assessed, allowing for appropriate system design. The study also explores construction techniques, testing procedures, and performance evaluations to verify the system’s efficiency and reliability. By providing hands-on experience and theoretical insights, this project serves as a valuable educational tool for students, fostering a deeper understanding of solar energy applications and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Ugbowo Road in Benin City faces persistent flooding and drainage failure driven by rapid urbanization, poor maintenance, and structural decay. This study assessed the structural integrity and hydraulic efficiency of drainage sections at four key locations: UBTH, Adolor Junction, Uselu Shell, and Ekehuan Link Road. Through visual inspections, non-destructive rebound hammer testing, and hydraulic analysis using Manning’s and Rational Methods, the research aimed to identify specific causes of failure and propose viable technical solutions. The investigation revealed significant structural defects, including cracks, erosion, and honeycombing, with concrete compressive strengths (12.7–19.8 MPa) falling below the required 20–25 MPa standard. While hydraulic analysis confirmed that the original designs possessed sufficient capacity to handle peak discharges, their performance is currently crippled by heavy siltation, waste dumping, and poor slope alignment. Consequently, the study identified functional inefficiency and maintenance neglect, particularly at the critical Adolor Junction rather than design inadequacy as the primary drivers of drainage failure. To restore optimal functionality and mitigate urban flooding, the study recommends the
reconstruction of failing sections using 25 MPa concrete and the implementation of a rigorous maintenance regime involving routine desilting. Technical enhancements, such as the installation of trash screens and inspection chambers, should be paired with the enforcement of environmental sanitation policies. Finally, the establishment of a drainage asset management plan by the Edo State Ministry of Works and Environment is essential for the long-term monitoring and sustainability of the corridor's infrastructure.

Fire exposure destroys concrete structures, and the cooling methods significantly impacts residual strength Rapid cooling, especially with water, may cause additional damage due to thermal shock, yet limited studies compare air- and water- cooling effects. In order to determine which cooling technique best maintains structural integrity, this study will examine how various techniques affect the breaking strength of Grade 30 concrete exposed to temperatures of 200°C, 400°C, and 600°C. This study involves the preparation of Grade 10 concrete specimens, which were cured for 28 days before being subjected to elevated temperatures of 2000C 400C and 600°C in a controlled furnace. After exposure, the specimens were cooled using air and water to compare the effects of each method on compressive strength. The compressive strength of all samples was tested using a compression testing machine, and the results were analyzed through tabular and graphical comparisons to evaluate strength reduction trends. The study revealed that compressive strength decreased with increasing temperature, with watercooled samples experiencing greater strength loss than air-cooled due to rapid thermal shock. At 600°C, Average water-cooled samples record 26.561 N/mm², while air-cooled samples record 28.014 N/mm², confirming that gradual cooling helps to retain more structural integrity. Based on these findings, air cooling is recommended as a safer and more effective method for post- fire concrete recovery. Further research should explore advanced cooling techniques to enhance fire resistance and durability.

This project aims to design and implement a hybrid clean and renewable energy system for telecommunication base stations, integrating wind and solar energy sources. The primary purpose is to enhance the sustainability, reliability, and efficiency of off-grid power systems, particularly in remote locations where traditional energy sources are costly and environmentally unsustainable. By leveraging the complementary nature of wind and solar resources, the project seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, minimise carbon emissions, and improve the energy autonomy of telecommunication infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to create a resilient, ecofriendly energy framework that contributes to global efforts in combating climate change. The methodology involved an extensive research and development process. Initially, a detailed literature review was conducted to gather insights from existing studies and identify areas for improvement. The design phase focused on developing a dual-input charge controller system capable of managing power from both solar panels and wind turbines. The system architecture incorporated essential components such as voltage and current sensors, metal￾oxidesemiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) drivers, and a battery storage unit. A prototype was simulated using Proteus Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, followed by the construction of the physical model. The wind turbine was crafted from a modified fan motor, while the battery pack consisted of lithium-ion cells configured for optimal capacity. System testing was conducted under varying environmental conditions to evaluate performance and reliability. The results demonstrated that, while the solar system consistently generated higher energy outputs, the wind turbine provided supplementary power, particularly during periods of low sunlight. The hybrid system showed potential in maintaining stable power generation throughout different times and seasons. However, challenges in wind turbine fabrication affected overall efficiency. The study concludes that integrating wind and solar technologies enhances the resilience and sustainability of telecommunication base stations. Recommendations for future work include improving wind turbine fabrication, expanding testing across diverse climates, and exploring additional renewable energy sources to further bolster system autonomy and efficiency.

First and foremost, I give all glory, honor, and praise to Almighty God for His unending grace, wisdom, and strength throughout the course of my studies and this project. His guidance has been my anchor in moments of challenge, and His blessings have made every step of this journey possible. Our deepest gratitude goes to Barr. Joseph Happy and Mrs Joseph, Mr and Mrs. Agbonogieva, and Mr. and Mrs. Opia,whose unwavering support, sacrifices, and encouragement have been the cornerstone of our success. Their belief in us has been a driving force, inspiring us to strive for excellence and persevere through every difficulty
I sincerely appreciate our project supervisor, Engr Jaja Wisdom and Dr. Ambrose Orogun, for their exceptional guidance, constructive criticism, and patience during the course of this work. Their mentorship not only shaped this project but also deepened my understanding of practical marine engineering principles. I am also thankful to all lecturers and staff of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, for their commitment to knowledge and for providing the academic foundation upon which this project was built. Special thanks to friends Clinton, Diamond and my course mates, whose collaboration, technical insights, and shared passion for engineering made this research both rewarding and memorable. This project stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the collective effort of everyone who contributed to my academic and personal growth.

The efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) systems are largely determined by their ability to extract maximum power under varying environmental conditions. This project presents the implementation of an IoT-based investigative system for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) in photovoltaic arrays, focusing on the comparative performance of the MPPT and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) charge controllers. The system integrates voltage and current sensors with an ESP32 microcontroller to measure and record PV parameters in real time. Through IoT connectivity, the collected data is transmitted to a cloud-based platform for remote monitoring, analysis, and visualization, enabling real-time tracking of PV performance. Experimental tests were conducted under different irradiance and temperature levels to evaluate the charging efficiency, dynamic response, and adaptability of both controllers. The MPPT controller dynamically adjusted the operating point of the PV module to maximize energy extraction, while the PWM controller maintained a simpler, fixed switching mechanism. Additionally, the system allowed for a detailed analysis of the relationship between light intensity, temperature, and PV output performance, with the readings interpreted from real-time graphical charts. These insights revealed how environmental variations affect energy generation and charge controller efficiency. This project develops a real-time, IoT-enabled system capable of monitoring and comparing the operational efficiency of MPPT and PWM charge controllers in photovoltaic applications. The results demonstrate that the MPPT controller achieves superior power utilization and battery charging efficiency compared to the PWM controller. Overall, the system provides a reliable, data-driven investigative platform for analyzing solar charge control strategies and
supports further optimization of PV energy systems through intelligent IoT integration.